Biostimulators (Collagen Injections)

Biostimulators, a.k.a. collagen injections, are injectable treatments that have been used in aesthetic medicine for over 20 years. They are in high demand and increasing in popularity due to their ability to stimulate the body to produce collagen, which is the building block of healthy, youthful skin. Biostimulator treatments can address a variety of our most common skin concerns including wrinkles and fine lines, texture, facial volume loss and skin laxity (sagging) and can be used on many parts of the body, such as the face, neck, arms, legs, abdomen and buttocks. Treatments provide gradual, natural-looking and long-lasting results. They are administered in clinic in under an hour, requiring little to no downtime. Various options for pain control are available but not usually required. As with most aesthetic procedures, several treatments may be required to reach your desired result.

How Biostimulators Work

When biostimulators are injected into the skin, the active ingredients trigger the body’s fibroblast cells to produce collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen is a fibrous protein that makes up about 80% of our skin’s weight and is a critical component in healthy, youthful skin helping to keep it firm, elastic and smooth. As we age, collagen and elastin production slow down, resulting in reduced elasticity, thinner and more dehydrated skin, as well as the formation of hollows, wrinkles and lines. Biostimulator treatments help to boost collagen and elastin levels to restore healthy, beautiful skin.

What Can Biostimulators Treat?

Biostimulator treatments can help to treat the following:

Skin laxity (looseness)

Sagging of the skin

Aging skin

Volume loss in the temples, cheeks, mid-face, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline

Skin texture and quality

Wrinkles, hollowness and fine lines

Poor skin turgor, thin skin

Face, neck, decollete, arms, legs, abdomen, buttock

How Much Do Biostimulators Cost?

Biostimulators are generally priced per vial. Depending upon the treatment area, anywhere from 1 vial (face) to 2 vials (face and neck) or multiple vials (body treatments) will be required. If more than one session is required, treatments are spaced out every 2-3 months apart to allow for optimal collagen synthesis and results. All current pricing can be found by click on the service on our booking site. After an assessment of your concerns and a consultation, your practitioner will work with you to determine which biostimulator and how many treatment sessions are best for you.

Does This Treatment Hurt?

Biostimulator treatments are generally very well tolerated. A small needle or microcannula is used to inject the product into the skin in the desired treatment area. Various modes of pain control are available, such as topical anaesthetic, ice packs, vibrational tools and/or injectable lidocaine, but are generally not required. Patients describe a tiny “pinch” and at times a small amount of pressure. Please notify your injector if you have experienced any issues with needles in the past or have an unusually low pain tolerance. We always aim to make procedures as comfortable as possible.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results from all aesthetic procedures can be variable and depend upon several factors including the number of treatments, the age and sex of the patient, history of previous treatments, area treated, and various intrinsic factors such as metabolism. The results of biostimulators are gradual, with improvements appearing after several weeks and continuing to improve over several months. It takes time for the body to produce new collagen and elastin fibers. However, the results are long-lasting, with some biostimulators providing results that can last up to two years or more.

How Do Biostimulators (Collagen Injections) Differ From Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gel implants made of hyaluronic acid. They provide immediate results to patients. Over time, our bodies naturally produce an enzyme that will break down the hyaluronic acid, eventually dissolving the filler. Biostimulators on the other hand, are injected similarly, though they are not considered gel implants thus they do not provide immediate correction. Instead, the active ingredients in biostimulators trigger the body to begin producing collagen and elastin where the product is injected. Over time, this can lead to many benefits such as improved volume, a lifted and more youthful appearance, improved skin tone and texture, improved elasticity and radiance. As our body’s have to produce collagen, this takes time and so patience is necessary. Collagen injections are for patients not looking for drastic or immediate changes.

Book a consultation with a practitioner for a full facial assessment to learn if biostimulators can assist you in meeting your aesthetic goals.